Inter thrash Monza in title defence opener, Napoli beat Genoa
Inter Milan began the defence of their Italian championship title with a 4-1 home win over Monza. In another match of the opening Serie A round, Napoli beat Genoa 2-0 away, scoring both goals late in the game.
Channel NewsAsia reports, citing Reuters, on the match results.
Inter score four goals against Monza
At San Siro, the hosts took the lead as early as the sixth minute: Hakan Calhanoglu sent the ball into the top corner with a powerful long-range strike after a pass from Andy Diouf. Monza equalised late in the first half-hour of the match. Gustavo Varela, making his Serie A debut, received a pass from Matis Muta on the edge of the penalty area, turned past Manuel Akanji and struck into the far bottom corner.
After the break, Inter took the lead again: goalkeeper Samuel Pizzignacco punched away Federico Dimarco's delivery, but the ball fell to Piotr Zielinski. His bouncing shot sailed over the goalkeeper. Eight minutes later, Pio Esposito flicked the ball past Pizzignacco with his heel after another assist from Diouf. Yann Bisseck scored Milan's fourth goal, with his shot changing trajectory after a deflection.
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Inter head coach Cristian Chivu said the team had difficulties in the first half because of the opponent's play. According to him, the goal at the start of the second half helped the players regain calmness and control of the match. John Stones came on as a substitute for Akanji and made his Inter debut.
Allegri's substitutes bring Napoli victory
Genoa were more active in the first half against Napoli, while the visitors had problems creating chances. Vitinha first shot narrowly wide, while another attempt by the hosts was easily collected by Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret. After the break, Scott McTominay struck from distance, but Genoa goalkeeper Justin Bijlow dealt with the effort without difficulty.
In the middle of the second half, Napoli coach Massimiliano Allegri brought on Kevin De Bruyne, Antonio Vergara and Noa Lang. Eight minutes before the end of the match, De Bruyne played a one-two with Vergara and scored from close range. Five minutes later, the Belgian delivered the ball into the penalty area, it reached Vergara and, after being blocked by defender Sebastian Otoa, still crossed the goal line.
